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Friday, July 22, 2011

Yet another cool use for FOE (Fold Over Elastic) is for hair stuff. Since it's wide and soft it really does the job of keeping hair pulled back comfortably. And the fun colors make it perfect to match to outfits.

Today's project shows how to make a cute little kerchief headband that will stay in place. Super easy too! Here's how-

First determine size. Measure the head around like a headband and add 1 inch. This will be the length of FOE needed. Next measure from the top of one ear up over the head to the other ear (like half a headband). This will give the length of the diagonal part of the kerchief square. Multiply this number by 1.41 and that will give the length of the sides of the square. If you don't want to use bias tape to trim it, add an extra half inch to all sides for a seam allowance. Cut out the squares & FOE.

To make the headband we'll be doing a french seam (so it looks nice & finished). Put the cut ends together with the wrong sides facing and sew a seam 1/4 inch from the edge.

Then flip the band wrong side out and stitch another seam 1/4 inch to the left of the original, so it looks like this:

Now turn it right side out again and fold down the seam to one side and stitch it in place:

Now, make a mark with your pen at the top middle of the headband:

With wrong sides of fabric together, attach bias tape around the square, mitering the corners (aka folding the tape on an angle):

If you want to skip the bias tape border, the squares would need to be sewn wrong sides together leaving a small opening to pull right side out and then topstitched around the edge. Now fold the kerchief in half like this so that one side is about an inch below the other and mark the middle of the flat end:

Insert the headband into the fold of the kerchief with the longer side facing out and lining up the center markings:

Pin into place along the fold:

Stitch together using a triple zig-zag set to 5.0 wide by 2.0 long. Now your kerchief headband is ready to wear!

I really loved this Toyland Happy Flowers fabric by Robert Kaufman, so I made a matching dress using my Re-Tee Dress Tutorialfrom last summer. The top part is made from an outgrown onesie and the straps are matching pink FOE (of course!):

She's been getting compliments on it whenever she wears it!

And I have to say I really love it too:)

Now I need to make a few for myself! Are you ready to make some of your own?